Casio G-Shock GIEZ GS1300B-1A chronograph

Coming in an easily recognizable sporty design and having its case treated with scratch-resistant ion-plated ‘patina’, the new Casio G-Shock GIEZ GS1300B-1A quartz chronograph watch is literally stuffed with advanced technology. Its main problem, perhaps, is the lack of its own identity, but that’s probably the whole idea behind the G-Shock line of extra-durable timekeepers: everybody must know at the first glance what he or she is dealing with.

Just as the recently presented Casio G-Shock MT-G (MTG1100-1A) model, the GIEZ features the Module 5040 quartz caliber with “Tough Movement” system that is not only impressively shock-resistant, but is also designed to automatically adjust hand positioning at the 55-minute position compensating for occasional hands displacement due to magnetic force or even, err, g-shocks that sometimes occur when you are not careful enough in a bathroom.

Most people probably want even notice if any of the hand is a hair off the minute mark, but if you are one of those OCD types who simply can’t stand when something doesn’t work as it should, you will probably like the feature.

The mechanism’s accuracy is further increased with the Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping technology letting the watch to self-adjust according to signals of atomic clocks broadcasted via 6 transmitters located in the United States, Japan, UK, Germany and Japan. All things considered, even despite inherent flaws of the base mechanism, this is one of the most accurate timekeepers you can buy if you live within broadcast range of the aforementioned radio stations. Otherwise, you are still good since the mechanism is accurate enough not to require corrections more often than a normal quartz watch in this price range.

All the numerous functions of the watch, including the calendar, UTC time display and chronograph are comfortably operated via push-buttons placed on both sides of the case. As far as readability goes, the dial looks a bit cluttered to me, but the hour and minute hands are prominent enough thanks to contrasting finish and a layer of some luminous compound on them, as are the numerals on the calendar wheel visible through a large date aperture.

Of course, the G-Shock GIEZ also features a small solar panel that recharges its built-in battery whenever an even dim source of light is present: no need to replace the battery every three years or so. Yay!

As usual for the G-Shock line, the watch comes in an oversized body around 46 millimeters wide and some 14 millimeters high. Thanks to the lugs being sort of short, the GIEZ GS1300B-1A’s size doesn’t seem to be a problem: first, your normal G-Shock is supposed to be massive and, second, measuring just over 52 millimeters from lug to lug, it would still fit most wrists.

The watch is huge, but if you plan to wear it while cycling or hiking or some other sort of sports activity, that shouldn’t be a problem.

As I have already mentioned, Module 5040 features a built-in shock protection system, yet, understanding that the GIEZ series will often be used as a daily beater or a sports activity companion, the Japanese watchmaker has equipped the case with a metal core “cage” placed within its plastic “outer hull” that efficiently protects the movement from particularly nasty shocks.

Casio recommends selling the watch at a humble price of $500, which is really modest for a timekeeper with such an impressive list of features.